A Quiet Morning In San Felipe

Monochrome Abstractions Of Silent Subjects, With Stories To Tell

“Keith Herring Prickly Pears” — Image by Author

Some days my camera is just in a good mood. Tender views seem to pop up at every turn. This was one of those mornings. I was up earlier than usual. I kept biting my shutter finger waiting for the day to break so I could get this new day’s show on the road.

At first light, I was out the door, out the gate, and walking towards streets I had not explored. Crossing the main street, and stepping onto a new one, I was immediately rewarded with the view above.

A large and friendly prickly pear cactus with strange markings. Not quite graffiti, more like Keith Herring doodles. I smiled at the thought. I hadn’t thought of Herring in years.

The juxtaposition of the soft and rounded prickly pears against the rectangular, straight-lined patterns of stone was a gift. A gift that hinted at the surprises and visual gifts that awaited my lens, and my heart.

“Back to Back Leaves” — Image by Author

Walking along this still shaded street reminded me of just how much I love photographing in soft light. My eye has become rather averse to making images in strong, contrasty light…